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    Chrysler Supports Bio-Diesel

    By Turbonius J. Monkey | September 24, 2007

    jp008_009gc.jpgChrysler put out a press release today touting their support of biodiesel and encouraging people to drive diesel vehicles using renewable fuel. In light of their recent decision to stop offering the Common Rail Diesel option on the new Jeep Liberty, it simply seems like they’re saying one thing and doing another.  That said, they are offering special discounts to National Biodiesel Board members. It looks like anyone can become a member. Minimum dues are $500 annual but if you’re seriously interested in homebrewing your fuel it may be worth a look, especially if you’re considering a new diesel powered Jeep Grand Cherokee or Dodge Ram. Check them out: http://www.biodiesel.org  

    Story continues along with pictures and Chrysler press release after the jump.

    jp008_002gc.jpg jp008_009gc.jpgjp008_010gc.jpg

    Diesel is typically the opposite of performance, but amazing leaps have occured in the past few years. The recent offerings from Mercedes and BMW, not to mention the new Mini Cooper D have elevated the driver’s impression of a diesel motor from “please, not the diesel” to “hey, that wasn’t horrible.” Add that to Audi’s recent stellar performance at Le Mans and other endurance races fielding the diesel powered R10 TDI, and who knows, we could be on the verge of a brave new diesel world.

    Audi R10 TDI at Detroit

    The real interesting thing comes into play with diesel hybrids. Imagine a dieseld hybrid with a performance setting allowing an electric motor to assist the diesel in those moments when  a diesel is much less likely to shine. No one is doing it yet, but it can only be a matter of time. Necessity breeds invention, and with rising fuel prices the necessity is here. Here’s to a new era of Diesel.

    Chrysler Supports Biodiesel Industry; Encourages Farmers, Refiners, Retailers and Customers to Drive New Diesels Running on Renewable Fuel
     
    • Incentives to Buy Chrysler Products Available to National Biodiesel Board members
    • Chrysler Diesels Approved to Run on Clean, Renewable Biodiesel Fuel
      • Dodge Ram heavy duty diesel with market-leading environmental benefits
      • Jeep® Grand Cherokee full-size SUV
     
    Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 24, 2007  - Chrysler LLC is teaming with the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) to promote modern, clean diesel vehicles running on clean, renewable biodiesel fuel.Chrysler is offering a special discount program to NBB members in the United States who purchase or lease a new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge product – with special emphasis on the company’s new diesel passenger vehicles – Dodge Ram heavy duty pickup and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV.“Modern clean diesel offers significant improvements in fuel economy, which also means a reduction in carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions,” said Deborah Morrissett, Vice President – Regulatory Affairs for Chrysler.“When our diesel products are run on clean, renewable biodiesel, the environmental benefits are even greater – at the same time we are reducing our dependence on petroleum and supporting America’s farm economy.”Information on the discount purchase/lease program is available to NBB members on the organization’s Members Only Web site at http://members.biodiesel.org  

    “We are very pleased to see the level of commitment that Chrysler has put into supporting the use of biodiesel,” said Joe Jobe, NBB CEO. “Chrysler’s incentive program is an attractive benefit for our NBB members, and a great opportunity to buy a new vehicle from a company that is working hard to provide consumers with more ‘green vehicle’ options running on renewable fuel.”

    Chrysler and NBB have partnered on several initiatives to promote use diesel and biodiesel as alternatives to gasoline.

    Most importantly, the two are working together for a new national fuel standard for B20, a fuel composed of 80 percent conventional diesel and 20 percent biodiesel. A standard is anticipated in the next several months. The existing standard affects pure biodiesel (B100).

    “A B20 standard will enable us to support the use of B20 in all diesel vehicles – from passenger cars to the largest city buses and semi-tractor-trailers – further encouraging use of this clean, renewable, American-made fuel,” Morrissett said.

    Chrysler has already approved use of B5 (5 percent biodiesel fuel) in its diesel vehicles, and the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram pickups are delivered to customers running on the renewable fuel, Morrissett noted. And the company has approved use of B20 by its fleet customers who follow specifications for fuel quality.

    Increased use of renewable fuels, including biodiesel, is needed if Americans are to achieve ambitious goals for greater energy security, less dependence on oil and a cleaner environment, Morrissett said.

    For example, a Dodge Ram diesel pickup or Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV running on B20 fuel would use nearly 40 percent less petroleum over its lifetime compared with a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.

    “Like NBB, we believe that biodiesel has an important role to play in America’s energy future,” Morrissett said. “We look forward to continuing our work with NBB and its members on this important national priority.”

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